A Reflection on Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, NIV)
Romans 6:23 reveals the stark contrast between what we earn through sin and what God freely gives by His grace. Sin pays its wages—death. As William Barclay observes, “Sin always pays its wages, and the wages are death.” This death is not only physical but eternal separation from God, a reality that underscores the seriousness of sin.
Yet, Paul points us to God’s immeasurable gift: eternal life through Christ Jesus. This life is not earned but freely given by God’s love. John 3:16 captures this truth beautifully: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” God’s gift flows from His heart of love, offering life where death once reigned.
Alexander Maclaren highlights the grace of this gift: “What we deserve is death; what we receive is life. The one comes from ourselves; the other comes from God.” Eternal life begins the moment we trust in Christ and continues into eternity. Dallas Willard describes it as “life with God now and forever,” a present reality that transforms how we live.
Andrew Murray reminds us, “God does not save us in sin, but from sin.” Eternal life is not just about a future hope but a life of holiness and communion with God. Missionary Robert Moffat saw the transforming power of this message: “The gospel brings life where death reigned.”
May we cherish this gift, live in its fullness, and share its hope with the world.
Prayer
Loving Father, thank You for giving Your Son so that I might have eternal life. Help me to live in Your grace and share the hope of salvation with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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